A planning permit application for a car wash at 18-22 Telford Street, Yarrawonga has been passed by Moira Shire Council despite some concerns by residents.
The site that was proposed is on the northern side of Telford Street and consists of three parcels of land with a total area of 4202sqm.
The land is currently vacant and an unmade road reserve (Miller Street) abuts the western boundary.
The November Ordinary Council meeting agenda states the application proposes that the facilities will be contained within three buildings consisting of four washing bays with one boat wash, vacuum bays, a dog wash area and an ancillary laundromat and car detailing building.
The front building, being closest to Telford Street, is proposed to contain two electric automated car washes, four manual washing bays (including a 14m long bay to accommodate boats). This building also contains a plant room.
The second building is proposed to contain six vacuum bays together with a dog wash area.
The rear building is to be used for car detailing, toilet facilities together with additional plant and storage.
Councillor Wayne Limbrick passed the motion saying that there were some genuine objections but it was an application that council should support.
“All evidence and information we have in relation to this, and there has been some concerns about its potential location on the bypass of the new bridge route; it comes down to a planning decision on councils behalf and I believe we should support it,” Cr Limbrick said.
Director Infrastructure Services Joshua Lewis provided clarity on the location compared to the bridge bypass and said there would be no public overlay.
Cr Peter Mansfield said he was opposing the recommendation as the development backs on to residential properties and would be a major disruption.
“It is really a facility that should be in an industrial area even though this is zoned,” Cr Mansfield said.
“It backs on to residential people in Sharp Street and it will be in operation from 7am – 10pm, seven days a week.
“I believe it’s not an appropriate facility for that particular area.”
Cr Judy Heather agreed with Cr Mansfield’s sentiments and suggested council look at an alternate location.
“I don’t think it’s in the right location,” Cr Heather said.
“I think we need to see these things are put in commercial areas, there’s no reason for it to be where they are going to put it.
“We have had objections and we have to consider that. They are valid objections in terms of noise, lights and hours running.”
Development plans show the site will be accessed via a single crossover to Telford Street on the Murray Valley Highway with a 3.5m high, 12.45m2 pole sign to be erected along the Telford Street frontage.
Following procedures for a planning permit, the application was referred to the Department of Transport (DoT), North West Water and the EPA, all of whom did not object to the proposal subject to conditions.
The application was also advertised, and 10 objections were received.
Some of the concerns that were raised through the objections included neighbourhood character and appropriateness of use, traffic and road safety, drainage, wastewater and associated externalities, suitability of the location/ alternate locations, amenity impacts with noise and lighting, insufficient information provided, property values, environmental impacts and operational information and other matters.
As part of the planning process the application was also assessed against the provisions of the Moira Planning Scheme and relevant supporting documentation which was considered to appropriately respond.
The conclusion of the agenda recommendation states that the site is within land zoned for residential purposes but will provide for a commercial use to complement the existing businesses and indirectly support the tourist industry in Yarrawonga.
As council has now approved the application, objectors may appeal the decision to VCAT.